Stuart Broad concedes worst over in Test cricket
Broad #Broad
It was an over that will likely haunt Stuart Broad for the rest of his career and beyond. Minutes after taking his 550th Test wicket (only James Anderson and Glenn McGrath have taken more among seam bowlers), Broad earned himself the ignominy of bowling officially the worst over in Test match history.
While three bowlers, including Anderson, previously topped the list having conceded 28 in one over, Broad relinquished an enormous 35 runs in an eight-ball over against India’s No10 batsman Jasprit Bumrah.
Not only did Bumrah’s personal tally of 29 break the old record by itself, but Broad conceded a further six runs in extras, extending his shame by making him bowl two extra balls. Here, Telegraph Sport analyses the over from hell:
Incredibly, it means Broad now holds the same unwanted record in two of the three international forms of the game, having been hit for six sixes by Yuvraj Singh in a record 36-run over at the 2007 World T20. Only the ODI record, which also stands at 36 runs, now eludes him.
Seeking quick runs to bolster India’s total at the start of day two, India captain Jasprit Bumrah top-edges a hook off a Stuart Broad bouncer. The ball flies in the direction of Zak Crawley at fine-leg, but falls inches in front of his despairing dive and bounces through his hands over the boundary rope.
Ball two – five wides
Persisting with his short-ball tactics, Broad bangs the ball in halfway down the track, only to see it sail way over both Bumrah and wicketkeeper Sam Billings’ head on its way to the boundary.
Ball three – seven no-balls
Another short ball from Broad and another Bumrah hoick that takes the top edge, which this time flies all the way over the boundary rope fine of Jack Leach at third-man. To make matters worse, the umpire then signals that Broad had overstepped, meaning he has bowled just one legal delivery while conceding 16 runs.
Ball four – four runs
A change of approach from Broad, who tries to bowl a yorker but over-compensates and delivers a horrible full-toss, which Bumrah bludgeons through mid-on for four more. Replays show Broad was fortunate not to be called for another no-ball on height.
Ball five – four runs
Finally, Broad produces a decent delivery on a good length, but fortune is with the Indians as Bumrah swings hard and gets a thick inside edge for four through fine-leg.
Ball six – four runs
Why stop now? Bumrah, now seeing the ball better than ever, swings so hard that he flies off his feet and ends up in a heap. But his connection is as sweet as any of his previous shots, ensuring the ball flies for a one-bounce four through square-leg.
Ball seven – six runs
The delivery that officially brought up the most expensive over in Test history. Broad reverts to his short-ball tactics, Bumrah’s eyes light up and the result is a massive six over deep square-leg.
Ball eight – one run
A comic end to one of the most remarkable overs in cricket history. Broad lands his yorker, Bumrah – looking to keep the strike for the next over – taps the ball back to him and hares off for a quick single. Broad picks up the ball and splatters all three stumps, but the diving Mohammed Siraj just makes his ground by inches.
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